A Simple Act Of Kindness: Making A Kiva Loan

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“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” John Holmes

“Mom we have to help,” declared my oldest. He had seen some of the images on the television. He saw the devastation and the need. Like so many children his compassionate response was immediate. It wasn’t complicated in his mind. There was a need and we had the means to help.

He did extra chores to earn money and made his own contribution to our donation. It was a wonderful experience for us both.

I have been working with children for over 40 years. I have found that most children are naturally kind and generous. If they are invited to help others they will throw themselves wholeheartedly into the project. It is wonderful to see.

It is also wonderful to watch the smiles and enthusiasm that accompany even the smallest act of kindness. Kids love this stuff!

Doing an act of kindness is a wonderful family activity

It feels really good to be able to help others and making it a family project has all kinds of benefits. One of the simplest ways to reach out is to make a Kiva loan.

Who or what is Kiva?

Kiva is a non-profit organization that allows people to lend money to people in developing countries. Kiva works with micro-finance institutions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to traditional banking systems. It literally changes people’ lives.

Raising the money for the loan

The first thing you will need is $25. You could just take the money out of your bank account, but it is far more meaningful if you work together to raise the money.

Brainstorm ways of raising $25. Why not ask your children for their ideas. You might surprised at their ingenuity!

7 ideas to get the creative juices flowing

Ask each member of the family to contribute gently used items that can be sold.

One night a week enjoy a low cost meal and put aside the money that you save.

Make your own bread and put aside the money that you save.

Ask each member of the family to give up one treat a week.

Have a baking party and sell baked goods to friends or family members who would appreciate a home made treat

Go on a loose change scavenger hunt. Check under sofa cushions, on top of bureaus, in pockets, in the laundry room.

If you live where refundable deposits are charged on bottles go on a bottle hunt. Round up those empties and take them back to claim the deposit.

Together choose one or more idea and put your plan into action. When you have raised your $25 it’s time to make the loan.

Make the Loan

Making a Kiva loan is simple. Start by gathering together as a family. Explain that in some countries it is almost impossible for people to find work or get a loan to start a business. Go to the Kiva website and help the children to explore the site.

Next open a Kiva account, choose a project to support, and then make your loan!

You might like to print out the profile of the individual who is receiving the loan and post it somewhere that is visible to the whole family.

When the loan is repaid (97% of them are) choose another project to support and repeat the process. It’s as simple as that.

Now it’s your turn

Have you ever made a micro-loan? Have you any creative fund raising ideas to share?

Comments

I LOVE this organization!! We have made one loan after someone gave it to us as a Christmas gift which I thought was brilliant. The kids and I enjoyed picking out a loan recipient together. We’ve gotten repaid and reloaned once. I’d love to start another one and am inspired to brainstorm with the kids about how to save money. 🙂

What a wonderful organisation. It’s amazing how many people you have helped with that initial $25. Definitely something worth considering doing with the family 🙂Alicia recently posted…Lamb feast with friends

This is such a thoughtful and selfless idea and one which I think I’ll start. I have never heard of Kiva in Australia but I’m sure I can figure a place to donate the money. I am involved with Rotary and donate to our club regularly, I thoroughly enjoy the fellowship but also the positive feeling that goes with giving my time and donating to our club projects. We’ve just raised enough money for a Shelterbox which is an amazing cause.

There are probably organizations in Australia that provide micro loans. Still in the end it doesn’t matter who you support, it’s the giving together that makes a difference.Sharon Harding recently posted…Treasuring the Precious Moments With Your Children

Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the issues.
It was really informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Many thanks for sharing!discussions.apple.com recently posted…discussions.apple.com

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[…] little others have and how much they have to give. Your help could be monetary, such as making a Kiva loan or donating to your favorite charity. Don’t forget that giving time and energy also has a huge […]

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